What makes an AK worth more than another?

[brianakell]

You can buy aan ak for 500 or so, or buy one for 1000. Knowing majority of parts are from the same country, and Im going to assume barrels will be very similar or the same, why pay more for one? Even barrels being different does not justify a several hundred difference. Curious what folks thoughts are

[zteknik]

It's a matter of what brand kool aid your drinking....

Mostly you are paying for a name.
Like Arsenal, FEG, Siaga,and so forth.Also the same with builds by known builders.

Now break it down to just parts pieces,there is a noticeable difference in fit and finish from different countries.But all of the differences could be smoothed out by a competent builder.
I have taken cheesy Rommy G parts kits and built them better than Arsenals,just a matter of how much time and effort you put into it.

Now a days I still wont pay more than $500 for any AK when I can build better for cheaper,even with what parts kits are going for.

[jreifsch80]

Sometimes rarities or uncommon parts garner more money like arsenals made with left side poly folders that have legit Russian made black poly furniture, try finding that furniture aftermarket.

[UrbanWolf]

Just mindsets. Sure the AK is been mass produced out of our mind, but it's the same with a lot other guns including the AR. HK G3/91's are stamped and produced as affordably as possible, but people don't have a problem paying over $1k for them. The FN SCAR has an extruded alloy upper and an injection molded polymer lower, you can't get any cheaper than that.

When i have enough cash free to spend, I will buy either a milled Bulgarian AK or a SLR-101 with left folder and happily pay over $900 for it, because I like them.

[jreifsch80]

I prefer ak's that I build myself

[UrbanWolf]

I prefer ak's that I build myself

Do you have the tools and machinery? I have wanted to find someone in state who can help me build AKs, since build parties now are almost no more thanks to liberal spy.

[jreifsch80]

I have all the tools needed but no longer have a bending jig I will only help people build on 100% receivers (nodaks, CNC warrior, home bent that they made themselves an have ready to go)

[UrbanWolf]

I have all the tools needed but no longer have a bending jig I will only help people build on 100% receivers (nodaks, CNC warrior, home bent that they made themselves an have ready to go)

What about bent and heat treated receivers that aren't drilled nor have the rails welded in?

[Busta Prima]

I'm surprised people are putting AKs all in one category. That's not true at all. There's plenty of diversity in quality, performance and value. I don't remember all of the countries and I don't know if I saved my notes from when I researched it but from memory the Romanian ones and/or anything from Century should be avoided for sure. Norincos are some of the best along with (again, I might miss the exact country but I remember something about) Bavarian made ones.

[zteknik]

I'm surprised people are putting AKs all in one category. That's not true at all. There's plenty of diversity in quality, performance and value. I don't remember all of the countries and I don't know if I saved my notes from when I researched it but from memory the Romanian ones and/or anything from Century should be avoided for sure. Norincos are some of the best along with (again, I might miss the exact country but I remember something about) Bavarian made ones.

Anything from Century at the time was questionable,again they took parts and built them,or as in the case of WASRS opened up the magwells.
Now sure all countries had different quality control measures.
Machining and fit on Romanians were pretty rough,but compare it to a Bulgy it's like comparing a Chevy Citation to an El Dorado
But you can turn it into a nice piece,takes a lot of handy work but can be done.Most people would rather spend the money to not have to futz with it.
Me on the other hand I don't mind spending the time on them due to the fact I got all my stuff back when it was sold at scrap prices.I built some Rommy G's that would make an Arsenal look like second rate...

By Bavarian ones I think you mean the East German mpi-kms-72's-verry well machined,and a real nice finish on them as well.